A PUB chain in the UK has been named the best for hotels in the UK – beating some very big names.
A new study conducted by Which? looked at both large and small hotel chains across the UK.
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Coaching Inn Group – who have 35 hotels across the UK – have been named the best by Which?Credit: AlamyThey have a number of beautiful historic hotels across England and WalesCredit: Alamy
The research – which spoke to 1,776 people – looked at eight categories such as customer service and cleanliness as well as breakfast, bed comfort and value for money.
And coming in first place was Coaching Inn Group, which scored 81 per cent.
While you may not have heard of the pub/hotel chain, there are 35 inn-style hotels in the UK.
Dating back to 1996, this includes ones such as The Kings Arms & Royal in Surrey, The Pheasant Hotel in Norfolk and The Swan Hotel in Somerset.
It was also the only hotel chain to be given the Which? Great Value badge, the first time for Wetherspoons.
With 50 hotels to choose from across the UK, rooms start from just £69 – most likely why it was given four stars for value for money.
Breakfast can be found for as little as £2.99 as well, with free tea and coffee refills.
Previous guests raved about it, calling it “clean, comfortable and good value”.
Other winners included Intercontinental, (80 per cent) and Hotel Indigo (79 per cent).
Sofitel followed suit with 78 per cent.
One of the beautiful hotels is The Swan Hotel in Wells, SomersetCredit: The Coaching InnWetherspoons also came in the top five for hotelsCredit: JD Wetherspoon
Premier Inn dropped in the survey with a score of 73 per cent, with one saying “prices are no longer budget level”.
Coming in last place once again was Britannia, which is often named the UK’s worst hotel chain (and the 12th year in a row for Which).
With a score of 44 per cent, it scored one star for bedroom quality.
The study also looked at small hotel chains, with the top going to both Andrew Brownsword and Brend Hotels, scoring 83 per cent.
TWISTING the handles of his personal periscope around, my son Billy lets out an excited gasp.
Through the lens he’s able to catch a glimpse of the rollercoasters and colourful rides that await him at Chessington World of Adventures, right on the doorstep of our hotel.
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The Paw Patrol gang cut looseCredit: AlamyOne of the five Paw Patrol roomsCredit: Chris Read-Jones/Chessington World Of AdventuresThe Sun’s Lydia Major and son BillyCredit: Supplied
I’m staying in one of the theme park’s new Paw Patrol-themed rooms, offered up just in time for half term.
Part of Chessington’s Safari Resort hotel, the five new pup-tastic bedrooms offer a glimpse of what’s to come when a new Paw Patrol-themed land opens next spring.
Nothing has been spared on making these spaces as immersive as possible.
Funky bunk beds have been disguised as the famous Paw Patroller truck featured in the show, with a driver’s seat at the front and a steering wheel that little ones can play with.
A yellow periscope in the main room, that fans will recognise as a replica of that from the Paw Patrol Lookout Tower, is surrounded by coloured bean bags which kids can plonk themselves on when spying on the theme park.
And if the view from the periscope isn’t enough to impress them, the bedroom window one will be.
Rooms overlook the park’s Wanyama Reserve, and one afternoon we were treated to the sight of two giraffes munching away on their leafy dinner.
I was grateful for some tranquillity to balance out the “wow” of the all-singing, all-dancing bedroom.
The decor here is bold and bright, with huge murals of the pups showing their wacky adventures.
Rooms sleep up to two adults, in a plump double bed, and three children.
They also come with a special Paw Patrol parking outside.
Even when you’re dining at one of the two restaurants, you’re likely to bump into your little ones’ favourite character.
As Billy tucked into his junior Wanyama burger (£7) at dinner, he clocked Skye giving some of her fans a high-five and a cuddle across the room.
If you don’t get to meet your hero at the hotel, Paw Patrol guests can nab fast-track entry to daily meet-and-greets with Chase, Skye and Rubble in the park.
A night’s stay comes with a huge buffet breakfast – which has everything from a full English to pancakes and pastries and is available from 7am to 10am.
Access to the hotel’s Savannah Splash Pool means children can burn off any extra energy.
After an action-packed day here, adults will be just as grateful for the ultra-comfy beds as the kids are.
Paw Patrol stays start from £155 for a family of four, including bed and breakfast. Stays include early ride access, a Pup Pass (meet-and-greet fast track pass) and a Reserve & Ride one-shot pass.
Guests staying before the Paw Patrol-themed land opens will have a chance to be one of the first to ride the new rollercoaster in 2026.
PLUGS with USB ports feel like a godsend when travelling abroad, as you don’t have to worry with adapters.
But it turns out that they risk doing more harm than good – and could end up costing you a fortune.
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Travellers have been warned to not use USB ports at airports as it could lead to ‘juice jacking’Credit: Getty
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned passengers that using USB ports in airports can potentially make your phone vulnerable to a cyber attack.
In a Facebook post, TSA said: “Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we’ve been told that’s called ‘juice/port jacking’).
“So, when you’re at an airport do not plug your phone directly into a USB port.
“Bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there.”
Juice jacking is essentially a form of cyber attack, where public USB ports are used to steal data from or install malware on a device.
The issue isn’t just limited to airports either, as any sockets with USB ports in a public place could be at risk – on board the plane, at train stations, in hotels and in coffee shops.
Through juice jacking, hackers can gain access to sensitive information such as passwords, emails and financial information.
Malware could also be installed, which allows hackers to track online activities – or even fully take over your device.
Firmware could also be impacted, meaning that the security measures on a device could be rendered useless.
The TSA also warned that travellers should not use public Wi-Fi, especially if planning to make online purchases.
So how do you protect your device?
According to cybersecurity company McAfee, “the most straightforward way to avoid juice jacking is to use your own charging cables, plugs and adapters.
They said: “By plugging into a standard electrical outlet rather than a public USB port, you eliminate the risk of data theft or malware installation through compromised USB ports.”
You could also carry a battery pack with you, but make sure to check your airline’s regulations as some do not allow power banks on board planes.
You can also use a USB data blocker, which is a small adapter that attaches to the end of your wire and blocks any transmission for a USB port.
This then only allows power to go through the cable to your phone.
AWAY from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Room2 Chiswick is greener hotel spaces, with chic and trendy comfort.
Here’s everything you need to know – from room rates to dining options at the hotel’s restaurant.
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Here is everything you need to know about staying at Room2 in Chiswick
Where is the hotel?
Found right next to the greenery of Chiswick Common, in West London, this hotel is difficult to miss with its sustainable and contemporary exterior, inspired by the arts and crafts movement.
The hotel is just a 5 minute walk from Turnham Green station.
What is the hotel like?
A cosy modern hotel just off the high street of London’s well heeled Chiswick.
There’s a big emphasis on sustainability and Room2 claims it is the world’s first carbon-neutral hotel- or ‘hometel’, as it calls itself.
The apartment style rooms are suited to short stays as well as longer ones.
What are the rooms like?
Our pastel-toned studio room was fairly compact, but the clever layout meant that there was still enough room for a sofa.
I particularly liked the decorative ornaments, most of which were from local artists and designers.
Every room has a kitchenette and mini dining table for whipping up your own meals.
Thoughtful touches include a glass bottle for fresh milk that you can fill at the bar.
Snug rooms are available starting from £97 per night.
The rooms are cosy but well designedLocal artists and designers have their work throughout
What is there to eat or drink there?
Winnie’s, the in-house bar and cafe, relies on local and seasonal ingredients.
The menu is largely geared towards brunch – we tucked into a hearty full English breakfast with sourdough bread and juicy Cumberland sausages.
Make sure to sample the ‘zero-waste’ cocktails with the hotel’s homemade coffee liqueur or honey, all served and made at the rooftop bar.
What else is there to do at the hotel?
With Chiswick as a base, the banks of the river Thames are within walking distance, and make for a great morning stroll during the spring months.
The local area is bursting with independent shops and restaurants, all at your doorstep, it would be a shame not to explore.
Additionally, Chiswick Flower Market is a popular attraction, with its local authenticity and stunning flowers.
On the Room2 website, there is a feature in which you can input your interests and details about your trip before it generates suggestions of local gems and attractions tailored to your specific wants and needs.
The bar has zero-waste cocktails too
Is the hotel family friendly?
Yes, the hotel welcomes all including families, with the suggestion of a Lounge, Suite or Studio room as to allow for a comfortable amount of space.
After having travelled across the UK for some weeks, American woman Amber Kacherian has shared four things about British hotel rooms that she found confusing or mind blowing
Alice Sjoberg Social News Reporter
14:40, 16 Oct 2025
The American was left baffled by some things in her hotel room (stock image)
An American has shared the four things she found strange in her hotel room during her recent visit to the UK, but Brits soon came to explain the reasoning behind it all.
A woman named Amber Kacherian has taken to TikTok, where she has over one million followers, to share her experiences as she’s been travelling across the UK with some of her friends. While her viewers have loved watching her experiences, Brits have often taken to the comment sections of her videos after they were left confused by different things that differed to the way they do things in the USA.
In a recent video, Amber went on to share four things that she had found weird in one of the hotels she’d stayed in, but Brits soon came to explain the differences usually were for the better.
“Things in my British hotel that are weird to Americans,” she said at the start of her video, where she was seen standing in what appeared to be a standard hotel room.
No plug sockets in bathrooms
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The first thing on her list was not having any sockets inside the bathroom.
“So the only outlet in this bathroom is just a small one for an electric shaver,” she explained.
Amber went on to say that she in particular had found this frustrating due to not being able to use the hair blow dryer or a curling or straighten iron when in the bathroom, as the closest plug was in the middle of the hotel room.
“Which begs the question, where do you plug in your hair styling tools?” she asked her viewers. “How do you do your hair with no mirror?”
Two flush buttons on the toilet
“Number two, no pun intended, two different buttons to flush the toilet,” Amber revealed as she showed the two flush buttons on the wall above the toilet.
She went on to explain that over every toilet, there are two buttons – a big one and a smaller one. She went on to explain that she’d assumed they are different depending on what you’re flushing.
“So, in America, there’s just one switch that flushes everything, We do not have two different flushes based on how much you just deposited into the toilet,” she explained. “Just one switch takes care of it all.”
Ground floor is not the same as first floor
For her third point, Amber went out of their hotel room to the lifts, where she showed the sign which had all the different floors of the building.
“The ground floor here is called zero instead of one. In America, we would call the ground floor the first floor,” she told her viewers. “And the floor above that would be the second floor.”
She went on to explain that when they had gotten their room number, which was on the first floor, they had found it confusing that they’d had to go up to the first floor, which is what they had considered the second floor, in order to find their rooms.
Light switches outside the bathroom
Next up, Amber expressed her confusion after finding that the light switches for the bathroom was located outside the bathroom door instead of inside the bathroom.
“Why do they put the light switch outside the bathroom?” she asked in confusion. “Because that means you could turn off the light on someone who’s in the bathroom while they’re in there.”
This sparked inspiration, as she was then seen running over to her friend’s room in order to turn the light to the bathroom off while he was in there.
While the American friend group had been left confused by these things, Brits soon took to the comment section to explain the reasoning behind some of these ‘weird‘ things.
“Yeah it’s against the law to have sockets in bathrooms because you know safety,” one person explained. Another person added: “Anything electrical that needs a 3 way British plug aren’t used where there is water and steam. Too dangerous…”
Someone else went on to say: “To be fair I’m not sure most of us understand the flushes. We just press something and hope for the best.”
I am standing on what looks like a cramped, dark city street. A tavern is around a corner, a police department in front of me. And I’m lost.
That’s when I hear a whisper. “Psst.” I turn, and see a puppet peeping his head out of a secret opening of a door. Over here,” he says, and I find myself leaning in to listen to this furry, oval-faced creature in the shadows. He’ll help me, he says — that is if I can clear his name. See, another puppet has been murdered, and everyone right now is a suspect.
Campaign posters for puppet candidates for mayor inside Appleseed Avenue. “Election Day” is a tale of political espionage with puppet-on-puppet violence.
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)
I am playing a gamed called “Election Day” at Appleseed Avenue, a relatively new escape room in a multi-story strip mall in Newhall. The puppet world is in the midst of a crisis, torn over whether humans should be allowed to wander the fictional street of Appleseed Avenue. My role is that of a detective, and throughout this game of fatal political espionage, I encounter multiple puppet characters — electricians, would-be-mayors, gangsters, dead puppets.
Drama ensues, and that’s where we humans come in, helping the puppets crack the case before we’re banned from their world once and for all. One needn’t be up on the state of puppet politics to participate — and don’t worry, the domestic affairs of Appleseed Avenue are relatively divorced from those of our own. Only a penchant for silly absurdity, and a stomach for puppet-on-puppet violence, is required.
While the look of the puppets may be inspired by, say, “Sesame Street,” with characters that are all big mouths and large eyes, the tone of “Election Day” leans a bit more adult. Recommended for ages 13 and older, “Election Day” will feature puppets in perilous conditions. And if you’re playing as a medical examiner, be prepared to get a glimpse at a mini puppet morgue.
Guests will play as detectives or medical examiners in Appleseed Avenue’s “Election Day.”
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)
“Sometimes people do think, ‘Oh, this is for little kids.’ Not quite,” says Patrick Fye, who created the experience with Matt Tye. “We call it PG-13.”
“We wanted that dichotomy,” says Tye. “Really silly puppet-y characters in a gritty world.”
Fye and Tye are veterans of the local escape room scene — Fye the creator of Evil Genius Escape Rooms and Tye the developer of Arcane Escape Rooms. “Election Day,” however, while a timed experience, isn’t a pure escape room. Think of it more as a story that unfolds and needs solving. We’re not trapped. In fact, one puzzle actually utilizes the waiting room, as “Election Day” toys with the idea of traversing the human world and a puppet universe.
Patrick Fye and Matthew Tye, founders of Appleseed Avenue, along with their lookalike puppets.
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)
Puppets weren’t necessarily the driving idea behind their joint venture in Appleseed Avenue. Creating a so-called escape room that was more narrative based was the objective. They wanted a room, for instance, where puzzles felt natural rather than forced. “Election Day” isn’t a space, say, with complex cipher codes to untangle. I was reminded of old-fashioned adventure video games, where one is prompted to look at objects, combine them or go on scavenger hunts, like the one prompted by the puppet I met in an alley.
Puppets were simply a means to an end.
“How can we make something that feels like you’re actually in the story and has more video game-y elements, as opposed to, ‘I’m in an Egyptian tomb. Here’s a padlock,’ ” says Fye. “We were trying to figure out how to mix the diegetics with the overall design. We stumbled on crimes and puppets because we thought it was fun and funny.”
One problem: Neither had created puppets or puppeteered before. Enter online classes, where Tye learned how to craft arm-rod puppets.
“We thought it was the coolest idea we had,” Tye says. When we both look at something and go, ‘We don’t know how to do all of this yet,’ we don’t let that stop us.”
Appleseed Avenue is home to an escape room featuring puppets. It doubles as the street name in which the game, “Election Day,” takes place.
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)
“Election Day” does unfold like a live-in video game. At times, we’re interacting with a screen, as puppets will relay us messages and quests. Often, we’ll explore the space, as the two have created an elaborate set. Teams are split. Half work as detectives, and half as medical examiners. We can communicate via an inter-room conference system, or simply run back and forth.
But listening to everything the puppets say is paramount, as clues are often hidden in dialogue. Both say they have done too many escape rooms where the story felt too divorced from the actions they were being asked to complete.
“We even say at the beginning of the game, ‘The story really matters.’ You have to pay attention to it,” Fye says. “There’s a moment I’ll never forget. We were doing a Titanic room, and we were in the engine room shoveling coal. But isn’t the ship sinking? What is happening? A lot of times a story is just set dressing.”
Appleseed Avenue’s ‘Election Day’
The initial response to “Election Day” has been positive, so much so that the two are set to debut a second game in 2026, a sci-fi room titled “Shadow Puppet.” The latter will utilize the same Appleseed Avenue set, although additional spaces will be built out. They’re also looking at some more kid-friendly options. Planned for 2027 is a game titled “Puppet Town Day,” in which little ones will receive passports that prompt them to interact with the puppet characters.
Wanted posters for puppets. Many are a suspect in Appleseed Avenue’s “Election Day.”
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)
For now, however, think of Appleseed Avenue as part of greater Los Angeles escape room trend. Whether it’s Hatch Escapes with its corporate time-jumping game “The Ladder” or Ministry of Peculiarities with its spooky haunted house, creators here are emphasizing story. Appleseed Avenue is no different, introducing us to a wacky cast of puppet characters.
It also achieves a rare feat: It makes murder feel ridiculous.
Says Tye: “When there’s a guy named Alby Dunfer who’s getting it from a blowdart from a hitman, it’s like, ‘OK, this is fun.’ ”
The UK’s coastlines are among the most stunning in the world and can be appreciated all year round, especially in autumn
Tenby’s cluster of tiny streets and pastel-coloured buildings hide its best restaurants and cafes down the narrowest of alleys.(Image: Portia Jones)
Just because the summer season has concluded, it doesn’t mean you can’t still relish sandy shores and delightful coastal towns. The UK’s coastlines are amongst the most breathtaking globally and can be savoured throughout the year – especially during autumn when you can wander the coastal path and treat yourself to hot chocolates at welcoming beachside cafés.
Senior Journalist, Portia Jones, confessed that autumn is her favoured time to visit the seaside towns of Wales as it tends to be more peaceful, and lodging could potentially be more affordable (particularly if you manage to bag a brilliant deal). She revealed: “Tenby, widely regarded as one of the best seaside towns in Wales, is one of my favourite destinations during the off-peak season.”
With gorgeous beaches just a brief stroll from the vibrant town centre, charming cobbled streets that could rival those in Italy or the French Riviera, and a selection of eye-catching, brightly-coloured houses that many British towns would covet, it’s scarcely shocking that this coastal treasure consistently features as one of the “best” seaside towns in the entire UK, reports the Express.
Dubbed the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the ‘Welsh Riviera’, Tenby has long been a favoured tourist hotspot and is one of the most cherished seaside towns in Wales.
Here, you’ll uncover a scenic harbour, Victorian architecture, sandy beaches, independent cafés and picturesque coastal walks along the captivating shoreline, reports Wales Online. Step beyond its ancient 13th-century walls, and you’ll discover sun-drenched shores and breathtaking clifftop vistas across the water towards the enchanting Caldey Island.
Portia revealed: “I have visited Tenby many, many times over the years, from childhood holidays to grown-up escapes with friends and my significant other, and I love it a bit more with each visit.
“While summer is perfect for sea swimming and long wine-filled afternoons on sun-trap pub terraces, I have come to appreciate Tenby more in autumn. Sure, the weather might not be as sunny, but this is Wales. Frankly, you can have a torrential downpour in August and a mini-heatwave in late September.
“It’s completely unpredictable, so you may as well chance a cheaper autumn visit and hope the weather gods smile upon you. I love that if you visit Tenby during the week, say, mid-October, you can escape the crowds and wander the pretty streets and sandy beaches in relative peace. Just wrap up warm, buy a hot chocolate, and watch the waves roll in from a chilled-out seaside cafe. Lush.”
She added: “Accommodation-wise I’ve found that you can get some pretty good deals in the off-season – especially if you visit midweek rather than at a weekend. One of my favourite spots is YHA Manorbier – a very affordable stay that’s a short drive from the town centre.”
This wallet-friendly hostel, situated in a former military base, provides glamping and camping options and costs under £50 for a private en suite room for two people (YHA members pay even less). Lodging choices include reasonably priced private quarters, distinctive American Airstreams, charming camping pods, and pitch-up camping.
Portia usually books a pristine private en suite room for just £45 for two visitors, and as a YHA member, she gets an extra 10% reduction. Granted, the private quarters may have limited space for large luggage, which estate agents might call “bijou” and regular people might describe as “compact.”
However, for slightly over £20 each, it offers outstanding value – especially in the expensive Pembrokeshire area. Portia observed: “Let’s be honest; you’re not checking into a YHA expecting a concierge, Egyptian cotton sheets, and a robe monogrammed with your initials. You’re here for the vibes. A community-spirited atmosphere fostered by shared kitchens, mismatched mugs, and conversations over wine in the lounge.”
Fancy staying closer to the town centre? Browse autumn deals on Booking.com and bag a hotel for roughly £75 for two adults. The Premier Inn Tenby Town Centre property costs just £68 per night for two in October and offers a cosy base right in the heart of all the action. Despite the summer rush being over, there’s still plenty to savour in Tenby.
From strolling along the coastal path and sampling craft beers in local pubs, to exploring independent shops for your Christmas shopping, Tenby has it all.
The town is home to several golden beaches perfect for a brisk autumn sea dip if you’re brave enough, or simply sipping hot chocolate while taking in the windswept coastline. South Beach, a sandy beach backed by dunes near the town centre, proudly holds the esteemed Blue Flag status.
When it comes to dining, Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, situated right on the beach, is well worth a visit. Castle Beach, just a hop, skip and jump from the town centre, was crowned the UK’s best beach in 2019 and currently boasts an impressive 4.8 out of five rating on Google.
North Beach, nestled in Pembrokeshire, has previously been voted the most photogenic beach in the UK, beating other stunning spots like Durdle Door in Dorset and Brighton seafront. Harbour Beach may be the smallest, but it offers a charming backdrop of colourful houses, bobbing boats, and a road leading back to the town centre.
Autumn is the perfect time to explore the Tenby Coast Path. This picturesque section of the larger Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers breathtaking views of Tenby’s vibrant harbour, Caldey Island, and St Catherine’s Island.
Favourite trails include the four-mile stroll to Saundersfoot, a moderate nine-mile loop that returns inland, and a challenging 10.9-mile point-to-point path to Freshwater East. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, why not pop into Tenby Museum and Art Gallery?
It’s the oldest independent museum in Wales. Founded in 1878, this charming museum is home to a wide range of local geology, biology, archaeology, and maritime artefacts waiting to be explored.
Many of the exhibits also delve into the culture and heritage of South Pembrokeshire, offering you a peek into local history and art. A delightful gift shop near the entrance sells local books and gift items.
Entry to the museum will set you back £6.50 for adults and £3.50 for children. They also run a reusable ticket scheme – all tickets can be used for one year after purchase, so you can make as many return visits as you like within that time at no extra cost.
For those who fancy a Welsh tipple, there are two local breweries in Tenby. Both produce top-notch beers and supply local bars and restaurants. Tenby Brewing Co., which took over from Preseli Brewery, has multiple stockists in Tenby and is one of the leading craft breweries in Wales.
The award-winning brewery was conceived when two mates decided to ditch the daily grind and start their own brewery over a pint. The Yard, their trendy venue at the brewery, boasts a capacity of 150 and offers an exciting rotating menu from fantastic pop-up food vendors, draft beer lines from their range, and some of their favourite brewers.
Harbwr, the newer kid on the block, is a craft brewery and taproom that brews a variety of cask and bottled ales just above Tenby harbour. When it comes to food, Tenby’s cluster of tiny streets and pastel-coloured buildings conceals its best restaurants and cafes down the narrowest of alleys.
Plantagenet House is a hidden treasure, featuring flagstone floors, exposed beams, and a 40-foot medieval Flemish chimney. If you’re quick off the mark, you might even secure a table by the fireplace.
“A recommended dish is their vegan Thai coconut curry, which features squash, chargrilled spring onion, spiced rice, and roasted almonds,” Portia suggested.
Links restaurant, located on the ground floor of Tenby Golf Club, offers Michelin-starred dining, making it a top pick for food enthusiasts visiting Pembrokeshire.
The menu, crafted by a talented local chef, focuses on simple yet incredibly tasty dishes made with high-quality Welsh produce. Start your meal with their freshly-baked ale bread served with whipped Marmite butter – trust me, it’s the perfect starter.
The ambience strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and sophisticated, with a menu that seamlessly merges humble yet thrilling dishes. From hot smoked salmon paired with cucumber and buttermilk to heritage tomatoes coupled with buffalo mozzarella, there’s something to tickle every palate.
For your main course, relish in locally-sourced delights such as Pembrokeshire beef or Cornish cod in a bisque sauce, or treat yourself to a succulent rump of Welsh lamb served with all the right trimmings.
And don’t forget to save space for pudding – whether it’s a decadent dark chocolate fondant with tarragon ice cream or a zesty lemon meringue with almond cake and blueberry sorbet, you won’t leave feeling unsatisfied. D. Fecci and Sons might just dish up the best fish and chips in Wales, having catered to both locals and tourists since 1935.
With potatoes grown locally in Pembrokeshire and groundnut oil creating wonderfully crispy haddock, cod, and calamari, the chippy also offers fresh mackerel during the summer months.
For delightful treats, pop into Mor Tenby, an elegant family-run coffee house and gift boutique selling their signature coffee blend (“Coffi Mor”), sweet treats, deli items, home fragrances, household goods, gifts, and Welsh specialities.
A beloved establishment in Tenby, Top Joe’s remains the top spot for pizza lovers. This former ’60s diner has transformed into an artisanal pizzeria offering freshly-made pizza, pasta, and salads featuring high-quality Italian ingredients. Nestled in the heart of this delightful coastal town, it’s a firm favourite with both locals and visitors.
The culinary expertise of Chef Giovanni Recchia, recently acknowledged as one of the world’s best at the Pizza World Championships, enhances the menu. He crafts pizzas using locally-milled flour and top-notch ingredients, including cured meats from Trealy Farm Charcuterie.
The UK’s most comfortable hotel chains have been ranked on factors including their beds and customer reviews, and you won’t need to break the bank to stay
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The best hotels for a decent night’s sleep (Image: Getty Images)
There’s nothing worse than getting to your hotel room and getting ready for a good night’s sleep, only to discover that the mattress is lumpy or the pillow is too firm for your liking.
However, Brits planning their next UK holidays are in luck because some snooze experts have done some very important research and uncovered the comfiest hotel chains where you’re most likely to get a decent night’s sleep thanks to the room and bedding.
The best part? You won’t need to splash out on a five-star hotel that ruins your budget for the year. In fact, the winning brand was Travelodge, which came out top on factors including customer reviews.
The sleep experts at Bed Store conducted the study after finding that when it comes to hotel guest reviews, mattress comfort and pillow quality often top other factors such as a hotel’s amenities. To determine the rankings, reviewers looked at factors including guest mentions of comfort, overall hotel scores, and a final reviewer rating.
Travelodge source mattresses from Sleepeezee, who hold a royal warrant and use pocket spring systems, where individual springs respond independently to body movements, to make up their comfortable bedding.
Room affordability also played a role, and it’s no surprise that Travelodge scored well in this area; when we looked at the brand’s price finder tool, we found rooms from £35 a night in October.
In fact, the hotel chain currently has a flash sale with one million rooms available for £35 and less, for stays on eligible dates through to the 24th September 2026 (it’s worth noting that this excludes the brand’s London hotels where rooms start from £49 a night).
Meanwhile, they have a guide on their website to finding cheap rooms year-round, whether that’s booking direct, opting for midweek stays or using their price finder tool if you can be flexible with your booking dates.
Another budget-friendly chain to feature in the top five rankings included Premier Inn, which already boasts a cult following for their comfortable beds; so much in fact that they even sell their pillows and bedding after having received the request from guests so often.
Looking for more inspiration for your next staycation? According to the research, the top five ‘comfiest’ hotel chains in the UK were:
Travelodge
(Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG)
Premier Inn
Best Western
Marriott
Adrian Brown, owner of Bed Store, revealed that it can be quite easy to recreate those levels of comfort at home too. Commenting on the study he explained: “The research shows that comfort is king, not luxury branding, when it comes to a good night’s sleep. Hotels might be spending millions on their menu or decor, but the review data shows that a good night’s sleep is the single most important factor.
“Many of the mattresses used in the leading hotels are from well-known UK suppliers such as Sleepeezee, Sealy, and Silentnight — meaning people can recreate that hotel-quality comfort at home.”
A travel expert has opened up about the hotel rooms he always avoids – and it might surprise you
Being given the right hotel room can massively improve your holiday
A hotel expert has revealed why he never books a room ending in the number 01. Javier Sobrino, founder of Descubriendo Viajes, a Spanish travel platform specialising in handpicked accommodations, warns that all rooms ending in 01 – such as 101, 201, 301 etc, should be given a wide berth if you are after a peaceful stay.
Picking a room at your holiday destination might seem like a minor detail, but factors like the room number can actually make a big difference – and it is not just down to superstition. In the United States, the number 13 is considered unlucky, making it the most commonly dodged number when it comes to room and floor numbers, according to Javier.
Another somewhat mysterious number is 237, due to its link with Stanley Kubrick’s film The Shining, which made it synonymous with eeriness and mystery. There is also 622, which is often avoided thanks to the renowned mystery novel “Room 622 by Joel Dicker.
The room you are given could have a huge bearing on your holiday
But leaving aside these numbers associated with legends or fictional stories, there are others that should be avoided for more well-founded reasons. During his appearance on Cadena COPE radio, Javier stated that all numbers ending in 01 should be avoided as much as possible if you want a more peaceful stay.
But, putting aside these numbers linked with legends or fictional tales, there are others that should be sidestepped for more concrete reasons. During his chat on Cadena COPE radio, Javier advised that all numbers ending in 01 should be avoided as much as possible for a quieter stay.
Javier said people avoid hotel rooms with certain numbers for a variety of reasons
“Those rooms are typically situated in the corner – that is, near the lift and also close to the exit to the hotel stairs,” he clarified. While this may not always hold true, based on his own experiences, he’s found this to be the case in many hotels.
“Every time a guest passes by or someone comes down the stairs, you’ll hear it. I’ve even heard, staying in rooms on this corner, that you can hear the lift,” he said. “So, if you’re planning on getting some rest, try to avoid that room.”
Most hotels don’t let you pick your room, so Javier suggests that if reception has allocated you a room with that number ending, ‘you should immediately ask if they can give you the one at the end of the hall, for example, or one that’s quieter’.
According to Andrea Platania of Transfeero, while most guests assume everything is spotless when you enter a hotel room, kettles are rarely checked thoroughly by housekeeping
10:30, 21 Aug 2025Updated 10:31, 21 Aug 2025
Kettles are not check as regularly as one might hope(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
When you arrive at a hotel, the last thing you want to do is think about germs, creepy crawlies or unhygienic habits left behind by past guests.
Most of us throw our bags on the bed and head out to enjoy the holiday. But, according to the germ-conscious travel professionals at Transfeero, skipping a couple of quick checks could be a mistake.
“People book holidays to make memories, not to deal with unpleasant surprises. That’s why it’s worth taking two minutes to check your room properly before settling in. Trust me, hotel staff see far more than you’d imagine,” Andrea said.
Make sure to check your kettle(Image: Getty Images)
One of the less glamorous tips is to open the kettle before you use it. According to Andrea, while most guests assume everything is spotless, kettles are rarely checked thoroughly by housekeeping.
“There have been cases where guests have put things inside kettles that should never be there,” he said. “I’ve heard of everything from socks to much worse. Unless you want your morning tea tasting like regret, always check before boiling.”
And it’s not just the kettle that needs a second look. Platania warns that minibars can also hide unpleasant surprises.
“A hotel worker once told me a guest urinated into a minibar bottle, screwed the cap back on, and left it there. The next person opened it thinking they’d found a refreshing drink,” he revealed.
For that reason, the expert recommends making sure the seals on all minibar bottles are intact before taking a sip. “If the seal looks tampered with, avoid it. It’s not worth the risk. Buy your drinks at the bar instead, so that at least you know what you’re getting.”
If your trip takes you somewhere hot, another unexpected danger could be hiding in the toilet. Andrea explained that the porcelain bowl and the underside of the seat are ideal hiding spots for insects.
“In warmer climates, it’s not unusual to find spiders or cockroaches setting up camp in the toilet bowl,” he said. “The safest thing to do is flush before you use it, especially if you’ve just checked in or returned after a day out.”
It may sound like an overreaction, but those who’ve had an unexpected encounter with a spider on the loo seat will know it’s advice worth taking.
Handy Andy – real name Andy Kane – was a hugely popular member of the Changing Rooms team with viewers. But what has he been up to since he left the show in 2004?
Changing Rooms aired on the BBC between 1996 and 2004(Image: BBC)
Popular 90s DIY show Changing Rooms was a firm favourite on our screens, but the cast look very different to nowadays.
Viewers of the BBC show tuned in weekly to see the team take on some major home transformations, making the stars of the show household names in the process.
Hosted by Carol Smillie, Changing Rooms drew in a whopping 10 million viewers at its peak on BBC One and created some iconic moments – who can forget when a £6,000 teapot collection was destroyed in one fell swoop by a floating shelf in series 8?
Designers Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Linda Barker, and Anna Ryder Richardson were the ones tasked with helping members of the public transform a room in someone else’s house – be it a friend, family member or neighbour. And then to help them make it a reality, the show’s handyman, Handy Andy (Andy Kane) swooped in.
‘Handy Andy’ with his co-star Carole Smillie(Image: BBC)
DIY expert Andy appeared on the show from 1996-2004 and was a key player in the transformation process. But what has he been up to in the years since?
After the show ended, Andy landed a role on the American version of the programme, named Trading Spaces, and he also presented three shows for UK Style, Room Rival , Garden Rivals and Streetcombers.
One of his biggest programmes was Increase Your House Price By Ten Grand, which saw Andy work with a team to increase a house’s value by £10,000 in just three days with a £1,000 budget.
Andy has also appeared on I’m Famous And Frightened, Cirque de Celebrite and The Adam And Joe Show, and he has hosted a number of BBC Primary Geography programmes since 2008. He is happily married to his wife Geraldine and together they have four children.
Disaster struck in series 8 when a floating shelf collapsed(Image: BBC)
Andy was a popular member of the team and the chatty Cockney proved to be a big hit with viewers too. While he frequently impressed with his DIY, it didn’t always go to plan, and he later spoke about his most major mishap – when the teapot collection was destroyed.
Designer Linda had commissioned a floating shelf to house them but weighed it down with heavy books, causing the shelf to collapse overnight.
Andy told the Metro: “It went wrong because they put too much weight on it. The shelf was obviously just for show and just the teapots on it would have been fine, but then they started loading up with books at the bottom.
“I did say at the time that books are very heavy but they carried on and you know, it’s one of them things. When it happened, it was really, really awful, everyone felt really bad, but now you just laugh about it. But it was good entertainment, wasn’t it?
“In other episodes of the show they’d mount chairs on the wall or hang chairs from ceilings and as a builder, you’re like ‘really?!’, but that’s interior design for you.”
James May, who is best known for his role on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, bought a pub in 2020 and it’s been reviewed by a content creator who was left impressed by one aspect
The content creator was impressed by one particular aspect (file)(Image: Instagram/ @theroyaloak.swallowcliffe)
Jeremy Clarkson isn’t the only former Top Gear presenter to own a pub. Following his success with Amazon Prime’s Clarkson’s Farm programme, the Grand Tour star opened his own establishment, called The Farmer’s Dog, in August 2024.
Located in Asthall, near Burford in Oxfordshire, it continues to attract sizeable crowds keen to sample the Cotswolds pub for themselves. Meanwhile, fellow Grand Tour star James May purchased The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Salisbury, Wiltshire, in 2020. Unlike Clarkson, May owns half the pub, which dates back to the 18th Century.
Recently content creator Phil Carr, who is known for his satirical reviews of towns and businesses across the UK, decided to visit the establishment himself to see what it was like. In a TikTok video, Phil observed that most celebrities who buy a pub do it as a “self-indulgent folly, a bit of fun, or simply to invest in massive property in hugely valuable areas in a way that people will love them for”.
The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Salisbury, Wiltshire(Image: Instagram/ @theroyaloak.swallowcliffe)
However, James, who is a part-time resident in Swallowcliffe, and the community-owned pub “looked like it was going down”, he “decided he didn’t want to lose his local”, so he bought into it.
Speaking to Country and Town House, May previously outlined his reasoning for purchasing the derelict pub: “I was a bit browbeaten into buying it, but I also realised that if I didn’t there wouldn’t be a single pub within walking distance of our home.
“Buying it was the only way to ensure there would be. I don’t take any money out of it. I take the view that it’s like owning a nice painting or sculpture – you own it for self-gratification.”
Phil described the pub as “pretty cut off”, but said this is “part of its charm”. He paid £175 per night for a “mid level room” in July, which he found “charming”.
James May purchased the pub in 2020(Image: Instagram/ @theroyaloak.swallowcliffe)
He also noted that breakfast is included, which helps “take the edge off” the cost.
After exploring Swallowcliffe, including the fields, he concluded there’s “really not much to it” beyond “the pub, the church and 174 residents”.
However, the highlight of the pub, which truly impressed him, was the cuisine. According to Phil, patrons started arriving in the evening, but it “didn’t really get busy like Clarkson’s Pub”.
Joined by fellow content creator Ann Russell, she highlighted James’ own gin, launched in 2021 with the idea to blend the flavours of Parsnip and Asian spices. She described it as “rather nice”.
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Then Phil got to the “good bit” – the food. He elaborated: “The highest praise I can give it is, Ann lives just up the road [and] she’s been here four times, and anyone who knows her knows she doesn’t suffer bulls**t”.
Having ordered bread, cured trout, souffle, Sirloin steak, a pint of beer, Panna Cotta and Semifreddo, the £104.64 bill felt like “more than a fair exchange”, according to Phil. The quality of the breakfast food also left a positive impression on the content creator.
Phil wrapped up his thoughts by stating: “Don’t come here for a week on holiday or honeymoon but do stop in for a night definitely, if you’re on your way to the West Country or milling around the nearby Stonehenge. James did a great thing securing a community pub and they repaid him by making it really very good.”
ONE popular London swim spot is getting a huge makeover with new facilities and green spaces.
The West Reservoir Centre in Stoke Newington that’s been open to swimmers for 20 years is getting an upgrade.
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The West Reservoir at Stoke Newington is undergoing a makeoverCredit: Alamy
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Designs reveal more accessible and attractive areasCredit: better.org
Found in north London the West Reservoir Centre sees thousands descend on the reservoir for open-water swimming, sailing and kayaking courses.
While the reservoir is about to undergo a transformation, the actual water isn’t – because it’s a reservoir.
Instead, the surrounding area will become much more accessible and greener, too.
The goal is to create “a more welcoming destination for both local residents and visitors.”
Designs reveal a new cafe, reception area, grass edge and two accessible entrances.
Other additions include modern changing rooms and cycle parking spaces to encourage biking to the reservoir.
There will be new accessible bridges built over the north and south parts of New River.
Plus, a new walkway on the east side of the reservoir will be created.
The website states that the centre will remain open throughout the project “for the thousands of people who visit the site each week for open water swimming and water sports.”
The work is expected to be completed by summer 2026 at a cost of close to £3.5 million.
New £4million lido to open in UK next year
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The reservoir is used for wild swimming, paddleboarding and kayakingCredit: Instagram
It’s all being funded by the Greater London Authority as an effort to improve community spaces and create a better space for the people of Stoke Newington.
Caroline Woodley, Hackney mayor, said that the changes are “about so much more than bricks and mortar”.
She continued to describe the centre as “one of Hackney’s hidden gems, a place where communities connect with nature, get active and enjoy some of the borough’s most stunning open-water views.”
The reservoir has a number of swim courses ranging from a 100m warm up lap to a 300m loop.
As it’s an outdoor course, they are dependent on weather conditions and water temperature.
At West Reservoir Centre, the cost for a single open water swim is £10 for non-members and £7.70 for Pay As You Go members.
